One key to enjoying your backyard is having shade. Without adequate cover, your yard might not live up to its amazing potential. Dinner parties, kids’ birthdays, and simply reading a book are all more enjoyable when you have the option to stay out of the sun. Learn how to get more yard shade and coverage here.
Plants need shade too; many of the sun’s rays can burn some plants. Pets often love joining their owners on the lawn, but too much sun can be harmful to their health.
Shade also increases water retention in the soil. Heat from direct sunlight tends to evaporate moisture and dry out the ground faster. Allowing shade to cover part or all of your garden will help keep the soil healthier. With higher water retention comes lower demand for maintenance. You can save on your water bill and save your time with shaded soil.
What should you use to create shade? Several different backyard furniture options can block the sun, but don’t forget trees when planning your backyard. Trees not only provide shade for you and your house guests, they positively impact the ecosystem. Your yard needs shade, and trees are the smartest option.
Benefits of Trees
Trees can save money on your energy bills. In the heat of summer, we run the air conditioner to cool the house. Trees planted on the sunward side of a home can naturally cool it, reducing the AC’s workload. Plant trees in optimal places in your yard to create energy-saving shade.
Adding a tree to create shade can reduce the weed count in your yard and provide shelter for the plants you do want. Many weeds thrive on direct sunlight and grow more slowly in the shade. In contrast, many garden plants thrive with less direct sunlight, depending on cover to stay cool and avoid scorching.
Trees also encourage a more diversified ecosystem. Many beneficial bugs, insects, and animals make their home in trees or require the moist soil that a shady tree provides. Diversity is key to a healthy ecosystem. By planting a tree, you support that diversity. Plus, wildlife can add to your enjoyment of your yard. Watch hummingbirds hover mid-air or squirrels running up and down tree trunks. Trees create a safe space for wildlife, allowing you the pleasure of enjoying them.
Planting trees in your backyard can give you cleaner air. We all know that air pollution is a serious health concern. Trees can remove both noxious gases and fine particulate pollution, giving you cleaner, more oxygen-rich air. Planting trees in your backyard can improve the air quality around you.
The Best Trees for Shade
Some species of trees are optimal choices for backyards, especially in Southern Ontario. You want a tree that will create ample shade and one that will require easy maintenance. Some trees could leave a mess of needles on your lawn; others might trigger pollen allergies.
Many of the best choices for backyard shade are maple trees. These Canadian icons have a long history of providing shade and sap for syrup. Maples are known for their vibrant colours and durable trunks. They’re fast-growing and quickly become excellent shade creators for your yard. Despite losing their leaves in the fall, they’re easily raked away (or piled up for your children to jump in).
Maple trees come in a variety of colours and sizes. Here are some of the many types you can choose from:
- Sugar maple
- Native red maple
- Autumn blaze maple
- Silver maple
- Royal red maple
Besides maples, there are a handful of other trees often recommended for shade. They include the Shademaster Honey Locust and the Greenspire Linden. The Shademaster offers light and airy cover. In the fall, its bright green leaves change to a vibrant yellow. The Greenspire is a slow-growing tree but is extremely durable. It is well-suited for windy locations and extreme weather. Like the Shademaster, its leaves turn yellow in the fall.
Other Shade Creators
Trees aren’t your only option for creating shade in your backyard. Gazebos, umbrellas, and pergolas can all provide a sheltered oasis from direct sunlight.
Gazebos
If you have a large enough yard, you might consider adding a gazebo. These wooden structures are often large enough for a table and chairs or a few pieces of lounging furniture. A gazebo offers relief from the sun and a space for entertaining. Hang a string lights to add a beautiful night-time ambiance to your yard. Although they will not shade your house, they do create a sheltered, enjoyable space outdoors.
Patio Umbrellas
Umbrellas can provide a decent amount of shade for an exposed patio. They are great if you need a mobile shade creator; patio umbrellas can be quickly moved to wherever you need them. They make excellent additions to patio tables, providing shade while you eat dinner outside, or enjoy a cup of tea with a good book. However, umbrellas are more prone to damage from weather and don’t create as much shade as other options.
Pergolas
A pergola filters out some sunlight and lets the rest in. They’re often built on top of a backyard patio or deck. The four pillars of the structure support a grid of planks overhead that function similarly to an open Venetian blind. By filtering the sun, the pergola has a slight cooling effect on the area it covers. It can create an excellent space for lounging, entertaining, and outdoor dining.
Although these other options all create varying levels of shade, they aren’t as efficient as trees. Trees can grow to shelter your whole yard and even your house. This can decrease your utility bills when cooling your home in the summer. They also help your gardens maintain healthier soil, and allow shade-loving plants to flourish. Trees are less vulnerable to damage from weather and can heal themselves with proper care. They clean the air and contribute to a greener planet.
Caledon Treeland is a family-owned business with decades of experience with tree planting and tree moving in Toronto and the GTA. We can help you design a shady and welcoming backyard. Our farms have a variety of shade trees and privacy trees to choose from. To make an appointment at our tree farm, send us a message or call (905) 880-1828.